Best Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners | Recipes From A Pantry (2024)

Table of Contents
My Top Pick For Air Fryer Accessories 8 Piece Air Fryer Accessories Set for 3.7, 5.3, 5.5, 5.8 QT Air Fryers Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools! Air Fryer Main Dishes Parmesan Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Air Fryer Cod Easy Air Fryer Falafels Air Fryer Garlic Mushroom Steaks Air Fryer Steak Bites 5 Minute Air Fryer Pita Bread Pizza Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Air Fryer Tacos Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla Golden Crispy Air Fryer Fish Air Fryer Hibachi Shrimp Dinner Air Fryer Cornish Hen Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice Smoky Air Fryer Ribs Juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers Golden Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Air Fryer Salmon Air Fryer Pork Chops Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Air Fryer Chili Nachos Air Fryer Tilapia Air Fryer Chicken Kebobs Air Fryer Taco Lasagna Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Air Fryer Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Fajitas Air Fryer Fish and Chips Air Fryer Sides and Snacks Air Fryer French Fries Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Mexican Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates Air Fryer Asparagus Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Air Fryer Kale Chips Air Fryer Potato Chips Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops Air Fryer Potato Wedges Air Fryer Breakfasts and Sweets Air Fryer Monkey Bread Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata The Crispiest Air Fryer Bacon Air Fryer Sausages Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Air Fryer Banana Bread Air Fryer Raspberry Muffins Healthier Air Fryer Donuts – 2 Ways Air Fryer Apple Fritters Air Fryer Fried Oreos Air Fryer Nutella S’Mores Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies Air Fryer Gingerbreadman Cookies More Air Fryer Recipes FAQs References

Got your first air fryer but aren’t sure what to make first? Then this collection of the Best Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners is for you! From main dishes, sides and snacks to breakfasts and sweet treats, each of these air fryer recipes is super quick and really simple to prepare. You’ll love how easy it is to cook up delicious dishes with your new air fryer!

Includes recipes that are suitable for Vegan, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo and Gluten Free diets. Weight Watchers points also includes.

Best Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners | Recipes From A Pantry (1)

Congratulations, you just got your very first air fryer! But if you find yourself staring at it and thinking ‘what now?!’ do not worry.

You will be amazed and relieved to know that the air fryer can do so much more than simply heat up frozen French fries. Soooooo much more.

And to help you get started, I have gathered up what I think are theBest Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners.

This list of delicious recipes has got you covered.

There are classics like kid-approved chicken tenders and hamburgers, and tasty side dishes like Mexican street corn, asparagus, and zucchini fries.

Speaking of kid-approved, you’ll want to check out this collection of awesome Air Fryer Back To School Recipes too!

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My Top Pick For Air Fryer Accessories

Best Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners | Recipes From A Pantry (2)

8 Piece Air Fryer Accessories Set for 3.7, 5.3, 5.5, 5.8 QT Air Fryers

Photo Credit:Amazon.com

My go-to 8 piece accessories set that fits from 3.7 Qt to 5.8QT Air Fryers. Every Air Fryer user should have one.

You will also find recipes that are waaaaaay better than your (formerly) favorite takeout.

We’re talking chicken fried rice, falafels, smoky ribs, and 5 minute pita bread pizzas. And yeap, you can even bake up a batch of delicious muffins or whip up some fresh donuts right in the air fryer.

Whether you’re brand new to the wonderful world of air fryers or a seasoned pro, I am confident you will love this collection of super quick, really simple, and amazingly delicious air fryer recipes.

And to make this post even more helpful, I have organized the recipes in the following categories:

  • Air Fryer Main Dishes
  • Air Fryer Sides and Snacks
  • Air Fryer Breakfasts and Sweets

So, are you ready to start cooking with your air fryer? Then read on!

Air Fryer Main Dishes

Parmesan Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Parmesan Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly golden and crunchy every time. And the best part? They are ready to serve in under 15 minutes!

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Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

A family favorite, these wholesome kid-friendly air fryer pizza rolls are easy to make and totally delicious!

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Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are a healthy and easy burger alternativethat doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor.

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Air Fryer Cod

This air fryer cod recipe gives you perfectly cooked, golden, crispy cod fish without all the fuss and mess. And it’s ready to serve in just a handful of minutes!

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Easy Air Fryer Falafels

Healthier than the deep fried versions, these air fryer falafels are perfect for serving up as snacks, appetizers, or as a satisfying meal.

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Air Fryer Garlic Mushroom Steaks

Air Fryer Garlic Mushroom Steaks are perfect for your meatless Mondays! These big, hearty marinated portobello mushroom steaks cook up super quick and easy right in the air fryer.

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Air Fryer Steak Bites

Tender and juicy steak bites made in the air fryer are exactly what you need for busy weeknight dinners! This air fryer steak bites recipe doesn’t need to marinate, so it’s ready to serve in minutes.

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5 Minute Air Fryer Pita Bread Pizza

With this recipe for Air Fryer Pita Bread Pizza, all it takes is just 3 everyday ingredients, 5 minutes, and almost no effort at all to enjoy delicious cheesy pizza goodness.

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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are easy to whip up, made from pantry staples, and a totally versatile meal prep solution.

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Air Fryer Tacos

Air Fryer Fish Tacos are so simple to make and full of great flavor! With fresh fish and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these tasty fish tacos in the air fryer in just minutes.

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Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla

These Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas are a quick, easy and tasty meal. Perfect for serving up for a quick lunch, dinner, appetizer, or even as an afternoon snack.

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Golden Crispy Air Fryer Fish

With this recipe for Crispy Golden Cajun Air Fryer Fish, you can indulge in a healthier version of super delectable, crunchy fish fillets without the guilt.

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Air Fryer Hibachi Shrimp Dinner

Hibachi Shrimp is a delicious restaurant-quality Japanese meal that is quick and easy to make in the air fryer.

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Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Air Fryer Cornish Hen is a super delicious dish that’s also quick and easy to make!Just the thing for Sunday suppers, meal prep, and fuss-free weekday meals.

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Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

Making chicken fried rice in the air fryer is super easy and budget-friendly. Plus it’s faster and healthier than ordering takeout.

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Smoky Air Fryer Ribs

These Smoky Air Fryer Ribs turn out super tender and are ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer makes it easy to enjoy the classic summer barbecue flavor all year round.

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Juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers

Air Fryer Hamburgers are simple and easy to whip up. Everything a classic hamburger should be, these air fried burgers are tasty, juicy and oh-so-cheesy.

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Golden Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This recipe for Golden Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts lets you indulge in deep-fried classic taste without any of the guilt. Delicious, versatile and so easy to make, this just might become your favorite way to prepare chicken.

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Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon is not only good for you but tastes good too! In just a few minutes, and almost no effort you can enjoy perfectly moist, tender, and flaky salmon fillets.

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Air Fryer Pork Chops

A healthier version of your classic comfort food favorites, Air Fryer Pork Chops are nice and crispy on the outside, yet deliciously tender and juicy on the inside.

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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

This recipe for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs is quick, easy, and super versatile. We’re talking turkey, juicy bell pepper, and fresh herbs all mixed up and air fried to perfection. Appetizers, dinners, and snacks have never tasted sooooo good.

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Air Fryer Chili Nachos

Delicious Air Fryer Chili Nachos is a comforting cheesy meal thatcooks in about 5 minutes.

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Air Fryer Tilapia

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and customizable seafood dish, thisAir Fryer Tilapia is exactly what you need! Cooking tilapia in air fryer is a quick and easy way to whip up a delicious and healthy meal in less than 10 minutes.

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Air Fryer Chicken Kebobs

Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs are full of delicious Asian flavor! An easy-to-make recipe that’s great for lunch, dinner, or serving up as a party appetizer.

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Air Fryer Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna is a delicious and easy-to-make air fryer casserole that’s the perfect mashup of Mexican meets Italian.

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Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Air Fryer

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is an easy-to-make and totally delicious dish! versatile appetizer Perfect for serving as a tasty main dish, party appetizer, or for any occasion. With just 4 ingredients and less than 10 minutes, this flavorful and satisfying recipe is ready to be served.

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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Fajitas

Delicious AirFryerPorkTenderloin Fajitas are super versatile and super flavorful.

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Air Fryer Fish and Chips

That’s right, you can make an entire meal in the air fryer at the same time! This recipe for Air Fryer Fish and Chips lets you easily whip up a healthier version of your pub favorite whenever the mood strikes.

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Air Fryer Sides and Snacks

Air Fryer French Fries

Homemade Air Fryer French Fries are easy to make and totally delicious! You will love this healthier version of everyone’s favorite side dish.

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Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Just 3 ingredients and a handful of minutes are all that’s needed to whip up deliciously crispy air fryer Brussel sprouts.

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Mexican Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

This Mexican Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is cooked to tender charred perfection in just 10 minutes. So easy and so delicious, you may never make corn on the cob any other way again!

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates

This 3-ingredient appetizer or snack is elegant and delicious, and perfectly suited for many different occasions. Plus, making bacon wrapped dates in the air fryer is incredibly quick and simple!

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Air Fryer Asparagus

Cooking asparagus in the air fryer requires just 3 simple ingredients and is ready in a fraction of the time as traditional methods. Makes a perfectly healthy and delicious accompaniment for all sorts of main dishes.

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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are the perfect starter, side dish, or snack. Totally crave-worthy, these air fried Parmesan zucchini fries are crisp and golden on the outside yet moist and tender on the inside.

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Air Fryer Kale Chips

Air Fryer Kale Chips are a super healthy snack that is so easy to make, even the kids will want to help!

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Air Fryer Potato Chips

Crispy, crunchy homemade air fryer potato chips are perfect for snacking and serving with sandwiches, burgers, and more!

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Crispy golden bacon wrapped around tender and juicy scallops is the perfect party appetizer or snack! You only need 2 ingredients to make these elegant air fried bacon wrapped scallops that are ready to serve in just minutes.

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Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges are a tasty and easy side dish and appetizer that turns out tender on the inside and golden and crunchy on the outside every time.

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Air Fryer Breakfasts and Sweets

Air Fryer Monkey Bread

Air Fryer Monkey Bread is a delectably sticky and sweet sugar and cinnamon pull-apart breadthat’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata

This Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata is a quick, easy, and protein-packed dish that comes together in just minutes.

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The Crispiest Air Fryer Bacon

With this recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Bacon you can cook up a healthier version of crave-worthy bacon that turns out perfect every time!

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Air Fryer Sausages

Making sausage in air fryer takes no time at all and means your meal prep will be a total breeze. Perfect for serving at breakfast, lunch or dinner!

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Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

French toast sticks are a kid-approved breakfast that is so easy to make, thanks to the air fryer!

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Air Fryer Banana Bread

Air Fryer Banana Bread is tender and moist with the perfect texture. Made with everyday pantry staples, and so easy even the kids can make it unsupervised.

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Air Fryer Raspberry Muffins

Delicious Air Fryer Raspberry Muffins are quick and easy to put together and great for breakfast, serving at brunch, or just eating on the go.

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Healthier Air Fryer Donuts – 2 Ways

Making donuts uses just a fraction of the oil as the traditional method. A healthier way to indulge your sweet tooth that is easy, fun, and guilt-free.

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Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Sunday mornings just got a little brighter, thanks to these homemade air fryer apple fritters!

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Air Fryer Fried Oreos

Make your own Air Fried Oreos and satisfy those carnival food cravings! It’s super easy and super fun to make delicious fried Oreos in the air fryer.

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Air Fryer Nutella S’Mores

These utterly delicious Air Fryer Nutella S’mores are a tasty twist on the classic campfire treat.

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Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Make these classic cookies in the air fryer with just 3 ingredients and they’ll be ready to devour in less than 10 minutes. Soooo good!

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Air Fryer Gingerbreadman Cookies

‘Tis the season to bake delicious seasonal cookies right in the air fryer! Everyone will love helping make these festive treats…almost as much as they love eating them.

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More Air Fryer Recipes

Ready to cook up even more using your Air Fryer? Then you’ll want to check out these collections:

  • This round-up of the easiest and best Air Fryer Frozen Foods is a busy cook’s secret weapon!
  • And this collection of Healthy Air Fryer Recipes is full of good-tasting and good-for-you dishes.
  • Learning how to Reheat Food in Air Fryer is a great way to save money and reduce food waste.
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Thank you for reading my Best Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

Best Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners | Recipes From A Pantry (2024)

FAQs

What should be the first thing I cook in my air fryer? ›

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer? ›

Take a gander of this list of top foods that should never make their way into your air fryer.
  • Wet Batters. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

What are the top 10 foods to cook in an air fryer? ›

How to Cook and Season the Best Air-Fryer Foods With Ease
  • Chicken Breasts. Everyone has cooked or eaten a rubbery, dried-out chicken breast and there's just nothing about that experience that you want to repeat. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Zoodles. ...
  • Cauliflower Gnocchi. ...
  • Salmon (chopped) ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Personal Pizzas. ...
  • Frozen Cauliflower.
Feb 18, 2020

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Summary. In conclusion, while air fryers offer certain benefits such as reduced calorie intake and faster cooking times, they are not without their limitations. Size constraints, limited cooking options, and concerns about crispiness are driving some people to look for alternatives.

What is the downside of air fryers? ›

What are Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer? Air fryers vary in the amount of foods they can hold, but usually do not have a large capacity. Air fryers may not be convenient when cooking for large groups.

Why is Airfryer not healthy? ›

Acrylamide is a chemical that can be created by cooking processes including baking, air frying, and toasting. Acrylamide is considered a probable human carcinogen based on the results of studies in laboratory animals.

What is the controversy with air fryers? ›

Increased air fryer recalls since 2021

But that doesn't mean air fryers pose no risk. Faulty wiring or user error can cause air fryers to overheat, burn the food inside or melt the machine itself, leading to several reported cases of kitchen fires and burns. To date, there have been no deaths reported.

What is the best meat to air fry? ›

Ribeye and New York strip steak tastes great when prepared in an air fryer, but many other cuts such as tri-tip, flank steak, and top round also work well. Marinate lean steak cuts prior to cooking, and try to stick with 1-inch-thick steaks for the best results.

What do chefs think of air fryers? ›

'From a chef's perspective, air fryers can be a great gift option. They have become popular due to their ability to provide a healthier cooking alternative to deep frying. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, requiring little to no oil, which can result in crispy and delicious results.

How do you use an air fryer for beginners? ›

Air Frying Tips for Optimal Results
  1. Balance Your Basket. Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. ...
  2. Use the Right Basket. Use the perforated basket or pan that came with your appliance. ...
  3. Don't Overdo the Oil. Don't use too much oil. ...
  4. Convert Cooking Time. Adjust cooking time. ...
  5. Avoid Non-Stick Sprays.

What to avoid when buying an air fryer? ›

Air fryer buying mistakes
  1. Going too big or too small. (Image credit: Cosori) ...
  2. Not prioritizing ease of use. (Image credit: Instant) ...
  3. Disregarding cleaning and maintenance. (Image credit: Ninja) ...
  4. Overlooking multifunctionality. (Image credit: Getty Images) ...
  5. Ignoring wattage and power. (Image credit: VonHaus)
Nov 23, 2023

What is the first thing you do when you buy an air fryer? ›

Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes before you actually cook with it, to let it off-gas. There might be a slightly chemical smell (one manual referred to it as a “new appliance smell”), so have the vents on or windows open.

What are the first steps with an air fryer? ›

Walk through the steps below to get started.
  1. Remove packaging materials and clean all parts and accessories.
  2. Place the air fryer on a level, flat and dry surface.
  3. Ensure proper clearance around the air fryer. Refer to your owner's manual for setup instructions and specifics.

How to use air fryers for beginners? ›

How to Use an Air Fryer
  1. Don't overcrowd the basket. ...
  2. It's ok to pull the basket out to check on the progress of your food during the cooking cycle.
  3. Choose the right temperature. ...
  4. Shake or flip part way through to cook evenly. ...
  5. Dry foods well to get them crispy. ...
  6. Air frying presets.
Dec 29, 2021

What is the general rule for cooking in the air fryer? ›

When taking a recipe from oven to air fryer, the general rule is to reduce the temperature by 20ºC – 30ºC, and cook for 20% less time.

Do you oil before air frying? ›

Never without oil

There is a significant advantage to adding 5 ml to 30 ml of oil when cooking with an air fryer. This is the amount generally recommended by most manufacturers. Of all fats, oils are exceptionally effective in an air fryer.

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